Capitol Hyundai Montgomery

We are proud to report that Benton Atchison, son of our used car manager, Paul Atchison and his wife Catherine, was recently awarded the John Fraser Ramsey Award by the University Of Alabama.  This prestigious achievement award recognizes "in a junior, the versatility of gifts and attainments, as well as the breadth of excellence in mind and character, that have traditionally been the goals of a liberal education."   Benton was specifically chosen for his "servant's heart", working to reach out to elderly citizens in the Tuscaloosa area through the "Re:Generation Program".   Benton founded this program and directs its operations as it works to improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.  This program relies on student volunteers organized, motivated and rewarded by Benton as they provide weekly visits and entertaining activities for the seniors.  Benton also was recognized for creating and publishing "The Agorean", an online newspaper focused on Greek life with the goal of promoting the positive aspects of fraternities and sororities.   Benton also serves as president of the Commerce Associates and vice president of the Elliott Society.  Congratulation to Benton and his family for this well-deserved recognition.

Hyundai was expected to debut an all-new Elantra for the 2013 model year, but our spy photographers just sent us new evidence indicating the next-generation car will bow much sooner. According to rumblings from inside sources, Hyundai has moved the new Elantra's launch date up a full two years - making it a 2011 - with final shakedown tests now in progress.
It looks like the 2011 Hyundai Elantra will have a slightly longer wheelbase - measuring in by our estimate at 106 and a quarter inches. And, as seen in these photos, the Elantra will have it's own interpretation of a coupe-like roofline.

Although camouflage covers much of the car's details, the 2011 Elantra is expected to take styling cues from the yet-to-be-revealed Hyudai Sanata. Look for the all-new Elantra to sports a thoroughly modern design language without being overly polarizing.

Powertrain chains remain unknown, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Elantra adopt Hyundai's new direct-injection 2.4L four-cylinder. Antiquated four and five-speed transmission are likely out, with more fuel-efficient six-speed units taking their places.
Posted By Drew Johnson On September9 @ 3:03 pm In Future Cars, Hyundai News, Sedan

Click here for original article and view images.

On Tuesday, April 28th, Capitol Hyundai was honored to host a group of new Hyundai Dealers as a part of their orientation tour.   The tour was led by our General Manager, Stan Hurst with assistance from our Fleet Manager, E.J. Knight.   Our visitors thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we wish them well in their new adventures with Hyundai.   Vaya con Dios, amigos!

On Thursday, April 9, Capitol Hyundai was honored with our Ten Year Anniversary Award from Hyundai Motors of America.   Daryl Allen was on hand to present the award to our General Manager, Stan Hurst.   Capitol Hyundai has been a leader in the South Central region of the United States for some time and we are proud to be a member of the Hyundai Family!

For more than ten years, Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to fighting pediatric cancer throughout the world.   Beginning in 1998 as a local project support by Hyundai dealers in the New England area, this program has grown into a nationwide initiative that involves more than 700 Hyundai Dealers across the United States.  In the ensuing years, Hyundai dealers have worked with the Hope on Wheels campaign to donate more that 12 million dollars in the fight against pediatric cancer.

 

A vital part of this program is the Hope on Wheels Tour that travels to children?s hospitals and cancer centers across the country each year from April through September.  Each event celebrates the hope in the fight against pediatric cancer by capturing the colorful handprints of children on a new white Santa Fe.  Capitol Hyundai in Montgomery, AL has been an active sponsor and participant in this vital program since its inception and we are proud to continue that tradition this year.  We are committed to providing great products and services and contributing to the River Region community in central Alabama. If you would like to join us in this fight, click here to donate!

 

Capitol Hyundai is proud of our Sonic families and happy to let our community know of significant accomplishments within our numbers.  

 

In that light, we wanted to recognize young Jeff Wiggins, the son of Sonic Regional Vice President,  Jeff Wiggins.   Jeff recently competed in the Alabama Taekwondo Sparring Championships and finished as the Silver Medalist in his group.  Jeff has been involved in Taekwondo for the past two and a half years, and at the age of nine, has already attained his black belt.  Congratulations to both father and son on this fine accomplishment.

 

According to one of the most influential sources of business information in the US market, Hyundai has been recognized as the most successful car company in the United States.   In their March 4, 2009 online edition, Time Business and Tech featured the story of Hyundai's rise through the ranks of companies such as General Motors, Ford, Honda, Chrysler, Nissan, and Toyota to the top of the sales ladder.   Hyundai has accomplished this feat through the use of effective marketing and sales, but more importantly by producing the cars Americans want and by focusing on quality.   To read the entire article, click here.

ABC television and Capitol Hyundai team up for one Montgomery family

The lives of Montgomery residents Monica and Brady Jordan, their daughter and their three grandchildren were changed forever when they were surprised by Ty Pennington and the crew at ABC TV and the popular TV show Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition.   This deserving family lost two children in eight years to violence and tragedy and yet have come together with their daughter Brittany to raise three wonderful grandchildren and to hold leadership positions in our community that benefit all of us.

Capitol Hyundai was honored to be invited to support this effort and the Jordan family and we were pleased to be a part of such a wonderful community project.    Montgomery is our home and the River Region is our "hometown" and our family.   We look forward to working with other community based organizations with a goal toward making the River Region a better place for us all.

A decade ago Hyundai pioneered America's Best Warranty.

Now we're providing another kind of confidence. Finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if in the next year you lose your income*, we'll let you return it. That's the Hyundai Assurance. Starting today you can feel good about buying a car, despite these current times. If you find that you cannot make your payment because of a covered life changing event, we'll allow you to return your vehicle and walk away from your loan obligation - and in most cases we will cover most, if not all of the difference.  And now, with Assurance Plus, you've got an additional option.   If you lose your source of income, we will make your payments for three months while you look for another job!  If at that time you're still unable to find another source of income, you can STILL return your vehicle with no impact on your credit.  *Click here for details.

Genesis, Accent and Tucson Earn High Marks for Affordability, Safety and Fuel Efficiency in the NADAguides.com Annual List of “Best Car Buys”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 13, 2009 – Three Hyundai models were named “Best Car Buys” for 2009 by NADAguides.com in four respective categories – Hyundai Genesis, Top Luxury Cars (under $35,000); Hyundai Accent, Top Sub-Compacts (under $15,000); and Hyundai Tucson, Top Crossovers (under $21,000). The NADAguides.com “Best Buys” list is one of the most highly respected awards provided to automakers.

“With the struggling economy, car buyers are facing tougher decisions when considering their next vehicle purchase. The NADAguides.com annual ‘Best Buys’ list provides consumers with unbiased and research-driven information,” said Michael Caudill, spokesperson, NADAguides.com. “Hyundai is making the car buying process easier than ever by offering the biggest bang for the buck in a variety of segments, whether it be the fuel efficient Accent, Genesis luxury sedan or functional Tucson crossover.”

NADAguides.com is the leading provider of pricing information and market research for cars, classics, RVs, motorcycles and boats.
The “Best Car Buys” list is based on criteria identified by NADAguides.com Market Data Analysts (MDAs) as most important to consumers – affordability, fuel efficiency, warranty coverage, safety and depreciation.

“We are honored to be recognized as the auto industry’s most affordably priced, fuel efficient and highest safety rated vehicles in
the business,” said Dave Zuchowski, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. “This award is a true testament of
Hyundai’s commitment to provide consumers with high-quality vehicles that suit their needs and budget, especially in today’s
turbulent economy.”

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The Hyundai Genesis was awarded the North American Car of the Year Award at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI.  This award, which has been given annually since 1994, is designed to recognize vehicles based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, and value.   The award winner is selected by 50 automotive journalists from the US and Canada who represent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and Web sites.  

Hyundai's luxury offering made history by being the first vehicle from a South Korean automaker to even be a finalist for the award, chosen by automotive media from around the world.

The rear-wheel drive, five passenger sedan boasts an upscale interior that many has been compared with the original 1990 Lexus LS, the car that made Toyota a success in the luxury market.

On September 19, 2008, Capitol Hyundai was proud to serve as a sponsor for the Partners In Education Chairty Golf Tournament.   This annual event is designed to benefit Catholic Education programs in Montgomery and we are happy to report the 2008 tournament netted $83,000.    Capitol Hyundai sposored the Hole-in-one contest for 2008.   We at Capitol Hyundai are proud to be a member of our community and we take great pride in being actively involved in the River Region of Alabama.

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BY U.S. News and World Report

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., December 19, 2008 – The affordable 2009 Hyundai Elantra, with unsurpassed standard safety in the compact segment, was named “Best Compact Car for the Money” by U.S. News and World Report. The “Best Car for the Money” awards are designed to help customers find the best car values at affordable prices without sacrificing quality and design.

            “The case of the Hyundai Elantra, the ‘Best Compact Car for the Money,’ proves what many have been saying for years: Honda and Toyota should watch their backs because Hyundai is making not just economical cars, but very good ones,” said Jamie Page Deaton, editor, U.S. News and World Report.

            The “Best Car for the Money” awards are based on data from U.S. News and World Report’s online automotive rankings evaluated with the opinions of the automotive press and IntelliChoice that measures the value of a vehicle after five-year ownership and maintenance costs. Overall appeal, quality, safety, initial pricing and the five-year total cost of ownership are the major categories for choosing winners. 

            “We’re honored to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the ‘Best Compact Car for the Money’” said Scott Margason, National Manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “2009 Elantra is equipped with six standard airbags and extras like standard audio auxiliary input jack – all at an affordable price point any customer will appreciate. We are pleased to see Elantra being recognized for its continued quality and value.”

 

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

http://www.hyundainews.com/Corporate_News/Corporate/12_19_2008_2976.asp

#1 - Hyundai Sonata Limited 4-cyl.
#2 - Mazda6 4-cyl.
#3 - Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
#4 - Honda Accord EX-L
#5 - Nissan Altima 2.5 S
#6 - Toyota Camry XLE

By Mark Solheim, Senior Editor, Kiplinger.com
January 2009

In the super-competitive midsize-sedan category, the Mazda6 has been an also-ran. Slightly smaller, less powerful and burdened with more quality problems than its competitors, its sales relegated it to the back of the pack since its introduction six years ago. But Mazda has high hopes for 2009's redesigned 6. Larger and more powerful, the new model answers the big customer complaints: tepid air-conditioning, squeaky brakes, a too-wide turning radius and too much wind noise.

We compared the new Mazda6 with five other mainstream midsize sedans: the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, ranking them all for value and safety as well as performance. For each car, we chose the top-of-the-line four-cylinder model with automatic transmission.

The best. A year ago, the Mazda6 ranked last among the half-dozen midsize sedans in its category. After a remake, it leaps to second place, behind the Hyundai Sonata Limited. The Sonata gets better fuel economy -- 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway, compared with the Mazda6's more typical 21 mpg city, 30 highway. So if gas is, say, $3 a gallon and you drive 15,000 miles a year, you'll pay $75 more to fuel the 6. Also, the Sonata has about an inch more front legroom and headroom. Its basic warranty is five years, compared with three years for the Mazda. And the Sonata Limited costs $24,645, versus $25,580 for the Mazda6 Grand Touring.

The Chevrolet Malibu LTZ captures third place in our rankings, boosted by a full complement of safety features, strong resale numbers and, with a six-speed automatic transmission, the best fuel economy of the group (22 mpg city, 33 highway). Its $26,670 price tag, however, is on the high side.

The Honda Accord EX-L ($26,925), in fourth place, is also pricey. Its 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine is the most powerful of the bunch, and its resale numbers are strong: 58% after three years. But despite being longer and wider than the others, it ranks near the bottom for rear legroom and front headroom. And it has the smallest trunk.

Next comes the Nissan Altima 2.5 S ($25,845 with the SL package). The Altima is appealing, with the best combination of horsepower- and torque-to-weight numbers, strong resale value, and excellent fuel economy (23 mpg city, 31 highway). But it loses points because electronic stability control isn't available, even as an option -- for that, you need to upgrade to the 3.5 V6 Altima.

Despite its bragging rights as the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Toyota Camry XLE ($26,295) brings up the rear. Its resale value is strong (57% after three years), but it has the least amount of power of the six sedans and is near the bottom for trunk space and headroom. Plus, stability control is a $650 option.

In mid November, manufacturers were offering incentives on most of these models. Among the most generous: Toyota's 0% financing on a
36-month loan for the Camry and Honda's 1.9% rate on the Accord. Of course, to snag those rates, your credit needs to be squeaky-clean.

There was a time when South Korean carmaker Hyundai was considered absurdly precocious in challenging Toyota in the U.S. That was more than 3 million sales ago...


Richard Williamson / Scripps Howard News Service

There was a time when South Korean carmaker Hyundai was considered absurdly precocious in challenging Toyota in the U.S. That was more than 3 million sales ago.

Now, they're taking on Lexus.

The world's fifth largest automaker, Hyundai -- yes, Hyundai -- sees its first rear-drive luxury car, the Genesis, as a worthy rival to the Lexus ES 350. And no one's laughing.

There's no laughter at BMW or Mercedes-Benz, either, when Hyundai compares the Genesis to the 5-Series and E-Class respectively. And at much lower cost.

Hyundai began selling the Genesis in July with a 3.8-liter, 290 horsepower V6 bearing a price tag of $33,000, which is $340 less than BMW commands for the compact 328i and only $200 higher than the average price of a new car in the U.S. this year.

Now comes the 4.6-liter V8 with 368 horses that propel the rear-drive sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

With a base price of $38,000, the V8 is expected to secure a place for Hyundai on the wishlists of people shopping the Lexus ES 350, Chrysler 300C, Pontiac G8 and the Cadillac CTS, among others.

"We're aware there's a segment out there that won't consider a luxury vehicle unless it has a V8," said Michael Deitz, manager of product development for Hyundai Motor America. "It's not just about horsepower today, it's about efficiency."

Hyundai has always done a magnificent job in the styling department, borrowing cues from the best in the business. So it was not surprising that Genesis fit the fashion scene of Miami Beach and Coral Gables, where the V8 cruised quietly in a recent demo tour, loaded to the gills with luxury features.

The nicely proportioned body rides on a 115.6 inch wheelbase that is more than 3 inches longer than that of the Lexus GS and more than an inch longer than the Infiniti M's.

The Genesis face is predatory, with a tapered aluminum hood framed by backswept high-intensity headlamps resembling the eyes of a raptor. A trapezoidal grille with winglike vanes accentuates the curvature of the snout above a low-to-the-ground air scoop that represents the predator's mouth.

The aerodynamic roofline flows back onto a short deck and a blunt rear end tightly tucked and decorated with wraparound tail lamps.

To achieve instant credibility in the premium market, Hyundai had to provide more of everything at an unbeatable price: More horsepower than a Lexus GS and Infiniti M, better longitudinal balance than a Lexus ES 350, bigger disc brakes than a Mercedes-Benz E550, better aerodynamics than a BMW 5-Series and Cadillac CTS, and faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (5.7 seconds) than the BMW 750i (6 seconds) or the Lexus LX 460 (5.9).

The new Tau V8 has more horsepower per liter than any of its V8 competitors and outperforms all V8 performance sedans with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 17 city miles per gallon and 25 highway, according to Hyundai research.

But where Genesis really exceeds expectations is in its load of standard equipment. A $36,000 Genesis 3.8 with the Premium Package Plus is $8,000 less than a comparably equipped Infiniti M35 and $22,000 less than a comparable BMW 535i.

Standard on the 3.8 models are 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather upholstery with heated power seats, proximity entry with electric push button start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jacks and Bluetooth.

When you move up to the 4.6, you get 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels, chrome lower bodyside moldings, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield.

In another extreme measure to challenge the luxury market, Genesis has even matched the Rolls Royce Phantom as the only other car to offer a Lexicon-branded audio system featuring Logic 7 technology. The surround sound audio system includes an 11-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing more than 500 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete audio. Hyundai also claims to be the first popular brand to offer digital HD Radio from the factory.

Navigation-equipped Genesis models also include a 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM NavTraffic. Genesis also comes standard with XM Satellite Radio with a three-month free subscription.

Continuing the coverage that helped overcome early doubts about Hyundai quality, the Genesis warranty includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. Buyers also get free 24-hour roadside assistance for five years.

While Hyundai cannot match the prestige of names like Infiniti, Lexus and Acura, it can grab a piece of the market that wants luxury at a more affordable price. Hyundai at one time considered creating a luxury brand for models such as the Genesis but decided the cost was too high for the rewards.

Hyundai was wise in moving gradually up-market from its current position, avoiding the marketing boondoggle of Volkswagen's exotically priced Phaeton.

In the first full month of sales, Hyundai delivered 1,177 units of Genesis in August.

"Consumers are showing their vote of confidence and that they will step up for a Hyundai," Deitz said.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rankings under the agency’s New Car Assessment Program, to the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis for both frontal and side-impact crash tests...

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 27, 2008 – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rankings under the agency’s New Car Assessment Program, to the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

"Genesis was engineered with a lightweight but strong body shell, featuring ultra-high tensile steel, laser welding, and advanced adhesive bonding," said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. "Add eight airbags and electronic active head restraints and you can see the focus we placed on designing Genesis for occupant safety. These five-star results are just one indication of the dedication Hyundai engineers place on safety."

Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features that both prevent accidents and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. It then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer.

Genesis' eight airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, a standard feature on the 2009 Genesis, which are an improvement over mechanically-based active head restraint systems. Until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models. Active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.

Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The V6 models feature 12.6-inch front rotors with single-piston floating calipers, while the V8 models feature 13-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers. All models are equipped with 12.4-inch rear rotors.

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No doubt you've heard a lot over the past several months about how Ford is bucking the global economic downturn and finding ways to succeed. It may surprise you then to learn that Hyundai has succeeded in selling more cars in the first half of 2009 than Ford.

In the first half of 2009 Hyundai moved 2,153,000 units; 8,000 more units than Ford. World-wide, Ford's sales for the first half of 2009 have plummeted 30.6 percent

Published: 19 Aug 2009 18:50:27 PST
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